Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) –Renewed questions continue to circulate about the sustainability of one of New Mexico’s flagship programs. Last week analysts from the Legislative Finance Committee said the state’s universal Early Childhood Education and Care Department started overspending just weeks into the launch of the expansion of New Mexico’s state-subsidized childcare program. Committee staff say the overspending, fueled by unforeseen enrollment increases, could continue to snarl budgeting efforts in coming years. Rep. Mark Duncan who has repeatedly questioned the viability of the program says he’s not shocked at all, adding, “We’re supposed to have a data-driven process, and yet we had no earthly idea what this was going to cost us. None!”
